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DOE Solar Decathlon Coming to National Mall

October 1, 2009 - 12:00am

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WASHINGTON, DC - Early this morning, twenty university-led teams descended on the National Mall along with high-tech, high-efficiency solar-powered homes they have built for the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. Over 800 student competitors from the United States, Canada, Spain and Germany will compete in the 2009 Solar Decathlon. The international competition takes place on the National Mall from October 8 -18 and will showcase high-efficiency, solar-powered homes that include the latest high-tech solutions and money-saving features. The overall winner will be announced on Friday, October 16. This is the fourth time DOE has held the competition since 2002.

"More efficient buildings powered with renewable energy can and must play a major role in meeting the energy challenge, and these students will be at the forefront of that effort in the years ahead," said Secretary Chu. "They represent the next generation of clean energy pioneers and entrepreneurs, and are a great example of what American innovation can accomplish. If you're wondering what a clean energy future looks like, I invite you to come see it for yourself on the National Mall."

Homes will open to the public beginning on October 9 and will be open for tours through October 18. The Solar Decathlon includes ten contests that evaluate the architecture, engineering, comfort, marketability, appliances, lighting, and other aspects of the teams' houses. The teams will have to perform everyday tasks, including cooking, laundry, and washing dishes, to test the energy efficiency of their homes.

This year's 20 university-led teams were chosen two years ago through a competitive process. Since then, teams have gathered their combined interdisciplinary talents to design and build the homes, but also to raise funds, furnish, outfit, decorate, and optimize the homes' performance. The 20 university-led teams include:

Building efficiency is a major priority for the United States and the world. Residential buildings account for about 20 percent of U.S. energy use. The issue also has international dimensions, since China will build about as many square feet of building space in the next 15 years as exists in the entire United States today.

Media interested in attending this year's Solar Decathlon should contact Tom Welch at tom.welch@hq.doe.gov. For full event information, daily results, and more information about the 20 teams visit the Solar Decathlon Home Page.